Staff recommends that City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Yellowstone County and the City of Billings establishing the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT) committee.

The Montana Opioid Abatement Trust was established as part of a multi-state settlement with pharmaceutical companies related to the opioid epidemic. The Trust is tasked with managing the funds received from the settlement and using them to support opioid remediation efforts in Montana. These efforts include expanding access to addiction treatment and recovery services, supporting prevention and education programs, and funding law enforcement and public safety initiatives.

The City of Billings along with Yellowstone County have been identified by the State of Montana as a geographical metro region, to be a recipient of funds from the Opioid Settlements. Estimates from these settlements indicate that there will be millions of dollars allocated through the trust to our region. The purpose of this MOU will establish the governance structure for our abatement metro region, which includes voting representatives from both the County and the City. The committee, established through this MOU, will have the responsibility to make decisions about planning, budgeting, and disbursement of funds for projects that will equitably and appropriately serve the needs of the entire region (Yellowstone County).

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

There are no direct City expenses related to establishment of this MOU. However, the City may be eligible to pursue funding eligible opportunities through the established grant process (Exhibit A of the MOU).